ATP Values Research Articles

Biochemical analysis of EGFR exon20 insertion variants insASV and insSVD and their inhibitor sensitivity

Somatic mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are a major cause of non-small cell lung cancer. Among these structurally diverse alterations, exon 20 insertions represent a unique subset that rarely respond to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Therefore, there is a significant need to develop inhibitors that are active against this class of activating mutations. Here, we conducted biochemical analysis of the two most frequent exon 20 insertion variants, V769_D770insASV (insASV) and D770_N771insSVD (insSVD) to better understand their drug sensitivity and resistance. From kinetic studies, we found that EGFR insASV and insSVD are similarly active, but have lower Km, ATP values compared to the L858R variant, which contributes to their lack of sensitivity to 1st-3rd generation EGFR TKIs. Biochemical, structural, and cellular studies of a diverse panel of EGFR inhibitors revealed that the more recently developed compounds BAY-568, TAS6417, and TAK-788 inhibit EGFR insASV and insSVD in a mutant-selective manner, with BAY-568 being the most potent and selective versus wild-type (WT) EGFR. Cocrystal structures with WT EGFR reveal the binding modes of each of these inhibitors and of poziotinib, a potent but not mutantselective inhibitor, and together they define interactions shared by the mutant-selective agents. Collectively, our results show that these exon20 insertion variants are not inherently inhibitor resistant, rather they differ in their drug sensitivity from WT EGFR. However, they are similar to each other, indicating that a single inhibitor should be effective for several of the diverse exon 20 insertion variants.

Analisis Kelayakan Tarif Bus Trans Koetaradja Berdasarkan Ability To Pay (ATP) Koridor 2A Pusat Kota-Blang Bintang

Since in 2018, Trans Koetaradja Urban Mass Transit is expected to provide maximum service to the community as users. Corridor 2A with the route Masjid Raya Baiturrahman-Lambaro-Blang Bintang. For now, the government applies full subsidies for bus users, meaning that bus users can ride this bus without paying. However, this condition will certainly not last forever. Calculation of the feasibility of bus fare based on Ability to pay is done to see the ability of this bus user to pay the bus fare. This study uses a Quantitative Descriptive Research Method through Survey Techniques involving 392 respondents to bus users given a survey form containing questions regarding: frequency of bus use, average monthly income and expenses and expenses to pay for transportation Respondents were selected based on activities, which were divided into 7 categories based on occupation, including: Students, Self-employed, Workers, Civil Servants, Non-workers and Housewives. The results of the questionnaire were then tabulated and calculated to see the distribution of ATP rates by considering income, percentage of expenditure on transportation and frequency of use. From the research results, the percentage of gender is 57% female and 43% male. The average frequency of use of the bus in 1 week is 4 times the transportation costs obtained range between Rp. 10,000 and Rp. 200,000 The average ATP value is Rp. 2,400.

Organic matter biofiltration performance modeling: Influence of influent water quality, operating conditions, and biomass

The impact of source water dissolved organic matter (DOM) origin, empty bed contact time (EBCT), temperature, and pretreatment methods on biofiltration performance was evaluated and predictive models based on experimental data were developed. Three DOM source water types, terrestrial, microbial, and treated wastewater (WW) effluent, were utilized. A model was developed to predict biofilter performance for dissolved organic carbon (DOC) removal based on the influent biodegradable DOC (BDOC) fraction, a single active biomass measurement from the top of the filter and the filter EBCT. A biomass distribution model was developed to predict total active biomass throughout the filter based on a single biomass measurement from the top of the filter. The measured BDOC fractions were 21 % for the nonWW impacted source waters, 36 % for the WW effluents and 62 % for the ozonated WW effluents. At an EBCT of 15 min, biofilters removed between 7 and 21 % of the DOC (19 to 50 % for BDOC) depending on the DOM type and use of ozonation. When the EBCT decreased to 5 min DOC removal decreased by 40 % and when increased to 30 min removal increased by 42 %. When the temperature decreased from 22 °C to 6 °C DOC removal was 33 % lower and when increased to 28 °C removal was 42 % higher. ATP values were found to be a function of temperature and DOM origin, as the average ATP values from the WW effluent biofilters were almost double that of the non-WW impacted sources and pre-ozonation of the WW effluent yielded values three times higher. The model was applied to the results of 27 different biofilter runs at three EBCTs yielding one distinct rate constant for the non-WW impacted source waters and one rate constant for the WW effluents. The model was successfully applied to the results of 19 filter runs from the literature and to those from a pilot plant over 6 months of operation.

Outpatient service tariff determination based on unit cost analysis mixed with community ability and willingness to pay

Purpose: The study aims to calculate the rational outpatient tariff based on unit cost analysis, ability and willingness to pay. 
 Method: The research is an observational study with a qualitative approach. Secondary data are obtained retrospectively to calculate unit costs and tariffs. Primary data is collected through questionnaires to see the ability and willingness to pay (WTP). 
 Result: The calculation using the step-down method obtained the unit cost for general practice IDR 79,337, dental care IDR 151,635, psychologist consultation IDR 115,283, and fitness center IDR 236,555. The respondent's ATP value is IDR 138,808, with an average examination fee of IDR 56,093. When coupled with an improvement in service and facility quality, 58.1% of respondents agreed to a 10% rate increase. With a 20% rate increase, the willingness to pay decreases to 40.6%. In the bivariate analysis using the chi-square test, the variables significantly affecting WTP are patient perceptions of the suitability of service costs (p = 0.000). In contrast, age, gender, occupation, education, income, number of family members, and insurance ownership do not significantly influence WTP. 
 Conclusion: The service rate is lower than the unit cost calculation. By looking at the ability and willingness to pay, it is possible to evaluate the tariff.

ANALISIS ATP D WTP UNTUK PENENTUAN TARIF DI JALAN TOL BECAKAYU

The income from toll tariff is the main source of revenue to repayment of investment costs of toll road construction. The estimated value of toll tariffs can be usefull for regulators, investors and BUJT to consider decision KPBU, investment and company management. The aim of this study is to conduct a financial analysis of the toll rates for the Becakayu Toll Road. The research method used is the Quantitative Method, by calculating ATP, WTP, perceptions of applicable tariffs and analyzing the sensitivity of user movement to the toll road. The results of the analysis show that the ATP value is Rp 1,655.00 per km and the WTP value is Rp 1,515.00 per km. The results of the sensitivity analysis of price changes and their probability of moving to the toll road, for each increase in the toll fare (farthest distance) of Rp 3,000.00 has the potential to decrease 0.59% of toll road users. The perception of toll road users regarding the current toll tariff is Rp. 14,000.00 - for a distance of 8.4 km shows that: 51.33% of respondents consider it appropriate; 42.89% consider it expensive; 4.02% is very expensive; 1.61% consider it cheap; and 0.16% consider it very cheap

Surface Microbial Contamination and Air Quality before and after Regular Cleaning Procedures

Studies on indoor air quality (IAQ) have linked exposure to microorganisms in indoor air to a variety of illnesses. The association between indoor air quality, surface contamination, and IAQ under heterogeneous cleaning procedures are all crucial factors that were investigated in this study. The ATP bioluminescence test demonstrated a significant correlation (r = 0.89; p 0.05) with bacterial count obtained from swab specimens and a moderate correlation (r = 0.57; p 0.001) with viable settling bacterial count. For the entire sample (pre- and post-cleaning), the ATP values were heterogeneous, averaging 230 RLU/100 cm2, 140 RLU/100 cm2, 120 RLU/100 cm2, 135 RLU/100 cm2, 99 RLU/100 cm2, and 80 RLU/100 cm2, in offices, classrooms, toilet doorknobs, reception desks, main lobbies, and exit doorknobs, respectively. An insignificant association between indoor and outdoor PM2.5 (r = 0.21; p 0.05), an I/O ratio of PM2.5 with an average value of 1.2, and an I/O ratio of CO2 exceeding 1 suggest a minor impact of outdoor air. After cleaning, the bacterial and fungal counts on indoor surfaces showed significant reduction, suggesting that the cleaning procedures were effective. The concentrations of VOC but not HCHO in indoor air were significantly affected by cleaning, but not by temperature or relative humidity (RH). We propose ATP bioluminescence as a surrogate for detecting bacterial contamination rather than fungal contamination, which requires additional validation. We suggest that the results of active microbial sampling (in CFU/m3) and settling plates (in CFU/m2/h) be interpreted independently to avoid confusion.

CSIG-25. DIFFERENTIAL YAP ACTIVITY IN HUMAN GLIOBLASTOMA TUMORSPHERES AS A POTENTIAL BIOMARKER

Abstract BACKGROUND Hippo/YAP signaling pathway has emerged as an important driver of GBM. However, the clinical significance and expression correlation of YAP in GBM is still unknown. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the regulatory functions of YAP in response to tumorspheres (TS) in GBM. Material and METHODS In GBM-tumorspheres (TS), mRNA levels of Yap1 and TAZ were determined by RNA-Seq, and nuclear YAP1 expression level and its correlation with tumor aggressiveness were assessed through nucleus cytosolic fractionation, quantitative confocal microscopy, western blot, and TEAD4 reporter assay. Cell proliferation, stemness, and invasive properties were also measured using YAP siRNA and its inhibitor Verteporfin to reveal the effect of YAP on glioma progression. In orthotopic xenograft models, the inhibition of YAP function were tested. RESULTS All GBM-TS exhibited various phosphorylation states of YAP but no significant differences regarding the expression of YAP. Among them, TS15-88 cell line showed relatively low YAP phosphorylation in the quantified immunoblot results. Indeed, TS with reduced YAP phosphorylation was associated with aggressive cancer phenotypes. Predominant nuclear localization of YAP and binding of YAP/TAZ to TEAD in the nucleus was evident in the TS15-88 cells. The YAP knockdown (KD) by siRNA significantly resulted decrease in TS proliferation through WST and ATP assay and values were validated again through YAP inhibitor, Verteporfin (VP). YAP KD attenuated not only the invasion and stemness of TS but also caused a reduction in tumor volume and prolonged the overall survival of mice. CONCLUSION We showed alteration of gene activities by YAP and nuclear localization of YAP/TAZ complex contributes to GBM progression. Moreover, thus tuning of Yap activity results a marked suppression in aggressive phenotypes of cancer. These associations emphasize that the YAP signaling network highly suggests new therapeutic opportunities in diagnosing and treating GBM.

GRWR Correlates with the Metabolism of Tacrolimus after Pediatric Living Donor Liver Transplantation According to Donor CYP3A5 Polymorphism.

Tacrolimus is characterized by high pharmacokinetic variability in combination with a narrow therapeutic range. However, influence of donor CYP3A5 genotype and graft-to-recipient body weight ratio (GRWR) on tacrolimus' pharmacokinetics after pediatric living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) remains unclear. A total of 174 LDLT recipients (<6 y) were grouped according to donor CYP3A5 genotypes (nonexpressor (NEX) or expressor (EX)) and GRWR (<3.0% (SS, small-size) or ≥3.0% (LS, large-size)): SS/NEX (n = 40), SS/EX (n = 38), LS/NEX (n = 48), and LS/EX (n = 48). Pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus and clinical outcomes were analyzed. The relationships between the concentration-dose ratio and donor CYP3A5 genotypes and graft size were examined 3, 7, 14, and 30 days after the transplantation. Tacrolimus C0 levels varied greatly among groups, although recipients started with the same initial dosage. LS/EX recipients had significantly lower C0 levels in comparison with those of other groups. The use of CYP3A5-EX-grafts and a greater GRWR both resulted in significantly higher TAC dose requirements and lower C/D ratios. However, the significance of GRWR no longer exists 3 months after transplantation. The multivariate generalized linear mixed model analysis showed that donor CYP3A5 genotypes (F = 11.876; P = 0.01) and GRWR (F = 4.631; P = 0.033) were independent impact factors for C/D ratios 3, 7, 14, and 30 days after transplantation. Donor CYP3A5-EX genotype was associated with significantly increasing risks of infectious complications and significantly lower Cylex ATP values. However, no significant difference was observed in acute rejections among 4 groups. Monitoring of C0 levels alone is not reliable to guide tacrolimus administration. Donor CYP3A5 and GRWR both significantly affect tacrolimus pharmacokinetics after pediatric LDLT. The use of Cylex ATP tests would be helpful to avoid overimmunosuppression.

A deep 96-well plate RBC storage platform for high-throughput screening of novel storage solutions.

Background: Red blood cell (RBC) storage solutions, also known as additive solutions (ASs), first developed in the 1970s, enable extended storage of RBCs. Unfortunately, the advancements in this field have been limited, due to labor intensive and time-consuming serial in vitro and in vivo testing, coupled with very high commercialization hurdles. This study examines the utility of deep 96-well plates for preliminary screenings of novel ASs through comparison of RBC storage with the standard PVC bags in terms of hemolysis and ATP levels, under both normoxic (N) and hypoxic/hypocapnic (H) storage conditions. The necessity for the presence of DEHP, normally provided by PVC bags, is also examined. Materials and methods: A pool of 2 ABO compatible RBC units was split between a bag and a plate. Each plate well contained either 1, 2 or 0 PVC strips cut from standard storage bags to supply DEHP. The H bags and plates were processed in an anaerobic glovebox and stored in O2 barrier bags. Hemolysis and ATP were measured bi-weekly using standard methods. Results: Final ATP and hemolysis values for the plate-stored RBCs were comparable to the typical values observed for 6-week storage of leukoreduced AS-3 RBCs in PVC bags under both N and H conditions. Hemolysis was below FDA and EU benchmarks of 1% and 0.8%, respectively, and excluding DEHP from plates during storage, resulted in an inconsequential increase when compared to bag samples. Discussion: In combination with high-throughput metabolomics workflow, this platform provides a highly efficient preliminary screening platform to accelerate the initial testing and consequent development of novel RBC ASs.

Pandemic Preparedness and Response: A Foldable Tent to Safely Remove Contaminated Dental Aerosols—Clinical Study and Patient Experience

The D-DART (Droplet and Aerosol Reducing Tent) is a foldable design that can be attached to the dental chair to prevent the spread of contaminated dental aerosols. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of the D-DART to reduce spread of aerosols generated during dental treatment. Thirty-two patients (sixteen per group) undergoing deep ultrasonic scaling were recruited and randomly allocated to groups D-DART or Control (no D-DART). After 20 min from the start of the treatment, the clinician’s face shield and dental chair light were swabbed and the viable microbial load was quantified (ATP bioluminescence analysis, blinded operator). Statistical analyses were performed with Tukey’s Honest Test with a level of significance pre-set at 5%. There were significant increases in ATP values obtained from the operator’s face shield and dental chair light for the Control compared with baseline (31.3 ± 8.5 and fold increase). There was no significant change in microbial load when the D-DART was used compared with baseline (1.5 ± 0.4 fold increase). The D-DART contained and prevented the spread of aerosols generated during deep scaling procedures.

An investigation of different intracellular parameters for Inborn Errors of Metabolism: Cellular stress, antioxidant response and autophagy

Oxidative stress is associated with various disease pathologies including Inborn Errors of Metabolism (IEMs), among the most important causes of childhood morbidity and mortality. At least as much as oxidative stress in cells, reductive stress poses a danger to the disruption of cell homeostasis. p62/SQSTM1, protects cells from stress by activation of Nrf2/Keap1 and autophagy pathways. In this study, we tested the role of cellular stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and autophagy via Nrf2/Keap1/p62 pathway in the pathophysiology of three main groups of IEMs. Our results showed that antioxidant and oxidant capacity alone would not be sufficient to reflect the true clinical picture of these diseases. ATP, ROS and mitochondrial membrane potantial (MMP) measurements demonstrated increased cellular stress and bioenergetic imbalance in methylmalonic acidemia (MMA), indicating mild mitochondrial dysfunction. In isovaleric acidemia (IVA), no major change was detected in ATP, ROS and MMP values. Propionic acidemia (PA), mitochondrial diseases (MIT) and mucopolysaccharidosis IV (MPS IV) might point out mitohormesis to cope with chronic reductive stress. Induction of Nrf2/Keap1/p62 pathway and increased expression of HMOX1 were detected in all IEMs. LC3B-II and p62 expression results indicated an impaired autophagic flux in MIT and MPS IV and an induction of autophagic flux in MMA, PA and IVA, but also partial expression of Beclin1, enables autophagy activation, was detected in all IEMs. We conclude that individual diagnosis and treatments are of great importance in IEMs. In addition, we assume that the application of therapeutic antioxidant or preventive treatments without determining the cellular stress status in IEMs may disrupt the sensitive oxidant-antioxidant balance in the cell, leading to the potential to further disrupt the clinical picture, especially in patients with reductive stress. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to simultaneously relate IEMs with cellular stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and autophagy.

Analisis Ability to Pay dan Willingness to Pay Penggunaan Parkir di Pasar Banjaran Kabupaten Tegal

The problem of setting tariffs is often a point of conflict between communities and managers. On the one hand, the community wants tariffs at the lowest level according to their capabilities with satisfactory service, on the other hand, the management wants high rates that can generate satisfactory profits. Basically, the determination of parking rates in accordance with the ability and willingness of the community will make it easier for users of parking facilities to pay the tariffs, especially if balanced with adequate services and facilities. Formulate the problem in this study is how the ability and willingness to pay parking users in the Banjaran Market area and whether the existing parking rates are in accordance with the ability and willingness of parking users in the Banjaran Market?. The method used in this study is descriptive analysis method, descriptive is a systematic, actual and accurate depiction of facts, data on events being studied. Analysis is the arrangement of data to obtain answers to questions that arise in research. For users of parking facilities for two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles on weekdays, the ATP value is obtained. The first hour tariff is Rp. 1,629.39, the progressive parking rate is Rp. 629, 39 WTP the tariff is Rp. Rp 1.388.08. For users of two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles on weekends, the ATP value for the first hour is Rp. Rp. 1,388.08 and the next hour tariff is Rp. 388.08 with a fixed WTP rate of Rp. 1388.08. From all calculations ATP is greater than WTP. The difference between the amount of ATP and WTP from the results of the analysis can occur due to several factors, one of which is the large percentage of parking fee allocation used as a component of ATP calculations that is not suitable for the tariffs applied at the Banjaran Market.

Deciphering effects of humic acid in landfill leachate on the simultaneous nitrification, anammox and denitrification (SNAD) system from performance, electron transfer and microbial community

Simultaneous nitrification, anammox and denitrification (SNAD) system is effective for landfill leachate treatment. However, humic acid (HA) as both an organic pollutant and electron shuttle in landfill leachate, its effects on the SNAD system remain unknown. This study demonstrated that HA initially inhibited NH4+-N removal efficiency due to HA inhibition on anammox bacteria (the lowest fell to 90.89% from 100%), but the HA inhibition was released after adaption in the SNAD system. Hence, the mechanism of releasing HA inhibition in the SNAD system was established from performance, electron transfer and microbial community. Firstly, HA could be effectively removed by an adsorption-biodegradation process in the SNAD system, which avoided deteriorated performance caused by HA accumulation. Electrochemical analysis demonstrated that HA stimulated riboflavin and flavin mononucleotide (FMN) secretion to promote electron transfer efficiency. With the improved electron transfer efficiency, ETSA and ATP values significantly increased, indicating that HA enhanced the microbial metabolism activity of the SNAD system. Further analysis by enzymatic activity assay showed that the HAO (39.68 to 69.53 U/L), AMO (242.94 to 308.36 U/L), HZO (133.73 to 169.65 U/mL), NXR (24.63 to 54.52 U/L), NAR (94.40 to 114.36 U/L) and NIR (104.40 to 123.74 U/L) activities were improved with the HA increased from 0 to 200 mg/L, manifesting that HA enhanced nitrogen metabolism in the SNAD system. Besides, more reasonable metabolic division of labor in functional bacterial and enrichment of heterotrophic bacteria achieved efficient simultaneous removal of HA and nitrogen. Overall, efficient HA biodegradation, faster electron transfer efficiency and better metabolic division of microbial communities released HA inhibition, making the SNAD system more resistant to HA stress. This study shed light on the effects of HA on the SNAD system and provided a new insight for the SNAD system to landfill leachate treatment.

Controlling microbial activity on walls by a photocatalytic nanocomposite paint: A field study

Bacteria and fungi that grow on the walls can cause allergic reactions and infectious diseases in human. We proposed a low-cost and easy-to-operate testing protocol for large scale field studies to evaluate the long-term antimicrobial performance of a novel WOx paint in 2 primary schools. In Tun Mun and Tin Shui Wai schools, WOx paints were painted on semi-outdoor and indoor walls and daily chlorine disinfection was applied after class in TSW School. A guidance was proposed for the protocol using the ATP biofluorescence method for large-scale field studies. ATP swab samples were taken at locations with and without the WOx paint on a control basis with a sampling frequency once a week for three months. The ATP values were then processed and presented in box plots. In both schools, the median log-scale ATP values of walls with WOx paint were at least 0.5-log lower than those without WOx paint. The WOx paint also performed better than daily chlorine disinfection in reducing microbial activities in long-term. The proposed testing protocol is suitable to evaluate long-term performance of an antimicrobial paint by analyzing its microbial activity in large-scale field tests. The WOx paint shows long-term effectiveness in reducing microbial activities on wall surfaces in both indoor and semi-outdoor environments.

Early postmortem biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical alterations in skeletal muscles of rats exposed to boldenone undecylenate: Forensic implication

This study investigated the biochemical and histopathological alterations along with the immunoexpression pattern of heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27) within 6 h postmortem (PM) in skeletal muscle of boldenone (BOL)-treated rats. Forty-eight male rats were divided into two groups; a control group received sesame oil (0.25 mL/kg bwt), and BOL group received 5 mg/kg bwt BOL. Both treatments were intramuscularly injected once a week for eight weeks. Rats were euthanized by cervical dislocation, and the skeletal muscle specimens were collected at zero-time, 2, 4, and 6 h PM for biochemical and histopathological evaluations. The results revealed that BOL treatment significantly increased pH, MDA, ATP, ADP, glycogen, and hydroxyproline values. Still, it decreased the GPX, GST, and lactic acid levels, and Hsp27 immunoexpression compared to the control group. With increasing postmortem interval (PMI), whether control or BOL-treated, a significant reduction in pH value, markers of muscular antioxidant status, ATP, ADP, glycogen, hydroxyproline levels, as well as Hsp27 immunoexpression but a significant increase in lipid peroxidation and lactic acid content were recorded. Of note, the interaction between BOL treatment and PMI had a significant effect on ATP, ADP, lactic acid, hydroxyproline, GST, MDA, and TAC levels. Conclusively, these findings signify BOL exposure's modifying effect on the energy content, oxidative status, and histological architecture of skeletal muscles in the early PMI that reflected in delaying the onset of rigor mortis. For forensic practitioners, these findings should be highly considered at estimating PMI in athletic, AAS-treated patients, and fattening animals.

Correlation Between Surface Cleaning and Disinfection Methods in an Emergency Room

Objective: To evaluate the correlation between microbiological culture, ATP tests by bioluminescence and visual inspection for monitoring the surface cleaning and disinfection in an emergency room. Methods: This is a prospective, analytical study with a quantitative approach. Data analysis was guided by the following tests: Spearman’s correlation, Fisher ‘s exact test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: There was a correlation between ATP quantification methods and microbial count for the women’s bathroom door handle (ρ = 0.526; p= 0.008). In this study, considering the ROC curve, the ATP value below 20 RLU is suggested to classify surfaces as approved in the emergency room. Conclusion: Using different methods of monitoring the cleaning and disinfection process is essential, considering that each method has a different purpose.

Effectiveness of photon-initiated photoacoustic streaming in root canal models with different diameters or tapers

BackgroundThis study aimed to compare the use of photon-initiated photoacoustic streaming (PIPS) and conventional needle irrigation (CNI) in conjunction with different concentrations of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) to remove Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) suspended bacteria and biofilms from root canal systems with different diameters or tapers.MethodsArtificial root canal samples (n = 480) were randomly divided into three groups (n = 160/group). The canals were prepared to fit file sizes #10/.02, #25/.02, or #25/.06. The size #10/.02 group was incubated for seven days. The size #25/.02 or #25/.06 group was incubated for 2 days. A stable biological model of E. faecalis infection was established. The root canals were washed with distilled water or with 1%, 2%, or 5.25% NaOCl combined with CNI or PIPS. Bacterial suspensions and biofilms were assessed using an ATP assay kit and fluorescence microscopy. Image-Pro Plus was used to analyse the average fluorescence intensity to determine the most suitable root canal irrigation solution.ResultsIn the CNI and PIPS groups, the ATP value of the 5.25% NaOCl subgroup was the lowest, followed by that of the 2% and 1% NaOCl subgroups. The ATP value of the distilled water subgroup was the highest (P < 0.05). When the root canal taper was 0.02, the ATP value of the #10/.02 + PIPS group was significantly lower than that of the #25/.02 + CNI group (P < 0.05). The average fluorescence intensity of the #10/.02 + PIPS group was lower than that of the #25/.02 + CNI group (P < 0.05). When the apical diameter was #25, the ATP value of the 0.02 taper in the PIPS group was lower than that of the 0.06 taper in the CNI group (P < 0.05), and the average fluorescence intensity of the 0.02 taper + PIPS group was lower than that of the 0.06 taper + CNI group (P < 0.05). PIPS combined with 2% and 5.25% NaOCl effectively improved the long-term antibacterial effect after irrigation and re-culture for 6 h.ConclusionsCompared with CNI, PIPS has greater ability to remove bacteria in root canals with a small preparation diameter and a small taper. PIPS with 2% and 5.25% NaOCl exhibited superior antibacterial and bacteriostatic effects.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Limited Protocol MRI for Diagnosis of Lumbar Disc Degeneration

Objective: To determine the accuracy of limited protocol Magnetic resonance imaging of lumbar spine in determination of lumbar disc herniation, nerve root compression and annular tear taking findings of routine MRI as a reference standard. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2016 to February 2017 at Dow Institute of Radiology (DIR), Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS). All patients of either gender aged 20 years or more presenting for MRI with low back pain were included. Routine complete protocol included T1W spin echo (SE) images on the sagittal plane, fat suppression sequence on the sagittal plane and T2W fast spin echo (FSE) images on the sagittal and axial planes, while limited protocol included T2W fast spin echo images on the sagittal and axial planes. Statistical analysis for social sciences (SPSS version 24), Inc, USA was used for the purpose of statistical analysis.Results: The sensitivity and specificity of limited protocol of disc herniation, nerve root compression, and AT were found to be 100% taking full protocol for disc herniation, nerve root compression, and AT as a gold standard. A significant difference of disc herniation was observed with age (p-value: <0.001), gender (p-value: 0.011), NRC (p-value: <0.001), and AT (p-value: <0.001).Conclusion: Limited protocol MRI of lumbar spine can lead to a definite diagnosis of LDH, NRC and AT without causing any loss of information.Keywords: Low back pain, diagnostic accuracy, limited protocol MRI, disc herniation, nerve root compression

Immune cell function assays in the diagnosis of infection in pediatric liver transplantation: an open-labeled, two center prospective cohort study.

BackgroundLimited studies have been performed in assessment of immune status of pediatric liver transplants (PLTs). We conducted this study to evaluate Cylex immune cell function assay in diagnosis of infection and its potential clinical application in Chinese infant PLTs.MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, 227 infant PLTs from two medical centers were enrolled, and 216 completed the study. Cylex ATP values were measured before and after liver transplantation (LT) at week 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 12 and 24 respectively. Accordingly, patients’ clinical records, including demographic data, liver function results, tacrolimus dosages and concentrations were collected and analyzed.ResultsOne hundred and sixty of 216 PLTs (74.1%) were diagnosed infection based on the parameters including abnormal vital signs, imaging changes, and pathogens detection, while 44 (20.4%) were clinically stable and 12 (5.6%) experienced acute rejection. The median Cylex ATP value in infant PLTs post-surgery reduced significantly in infection group compared to stable group (median, 137 vs. 269 ng/mL, P<0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis determined that the cut-off value of Cylex ATP was 152 ng/mL in diagnosis of infection [area under the curve (AUC): 0.784, 95% CI: 0.720–0.848]. Meanwhile, Cylex ATP value showed no correlation to tacrolimus dosage, blood concentration, dose-normalized concentration/dose ratio or Kaup index. However, it tended to correlate weakly with the white blood cell (WBC) number (R =0.462, P<0.0001) and lymphocyte counts (R =0.363, P<0.0001).ConclusionsIn this study, we demonstrated that low Cylex ATP represented partly over-immunosuppression and had diagnostic value in infant PLTs with infections, which might assist individualized immunosuppression in PLT patients.

Comparison of ATP values on Meat and Fish Cutting Boards before and after Alcohol Disinfection

Sanitary control of cutting boards in the kitchen is important to prevent food poisoning. Using ATP and microbiological tests, we investigated the cleaning and 70% alcohol spraying effects of cutting boards for meat and fish. As a result, the ATP value and the number of microbial bacteria decreased after washing the cutting board but decreased more after spraying with 70% alcohol. The ATP value was 100 or less after spraying with 70% alcohol. The number of microbial bacteria decreased after spraying with 70% alcohol. However, not all bacterial eliminated even after spraying with 70% alcohol. If the cutting board left in a moist state at room temperature, microorganisms could grow again.